International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 44-53 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 44 Research Report Open Access Global Population Genomics of Chickens and Their Adaptation to Diverse Environments Jun Wang, Qibin Xu Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: qibin.xu@cuixi.org International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2025.15.0005 Received: 05 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 12 Feb., 2025 Published: 24 Feb., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang J., and Xu Q.B., 2025, Global population genomics of chickens and their adaptation to diverse environments, International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 15(1): 44-53 (doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2025.15.0005) Abstract Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) represent one of the most widely domesticated and distributed livestock species globally, offering a unique model for exploring population genomics and adaptive evolution. In this study, we investigated the global genomic diversity and environmental adaptation of chickens by analyzing whole-genome resequencing data and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays across diverse geographic populations. We characterized regional genomic structures, examined the impact of artificial selection, and highlighted the role of indigenous breeds in shaping genetic landscapes. Specific adaptation signatures were identified in populations exposed to high altitudes, extreme temperatures, and pathogen pressures, revealing key loci associated with physiological resilience and immune function. Methodologically, we employed population structure analyses, phylogenetic reconstruction, selection scans, and functional annotation to uncover evolutionary trajectories. A focused case study on East African chickens demonstrated context-specific adaptations driven by unique environmental and cultural factors. Our findings underscore the underrepresentation of certain populations in genomic surveys and emphasize the importance of integrating genomics with ecological and phenotypic data. This study not only advances our understanding of chicken evolution and adaptation but also provides genomic insights that can inform sustainable breeding, conservation efforts, and global food security strategies. Keywords Chicken population genomics; Genetic diversity; Environmental adaptation; Selection scans; Sustainable breeding 1 Introduction Chickens are one of the most common poultry in the world and have been domesticated by humans for a long time. The chickens we can see now have many different shapes and characteristics, and they can survive in various environments, such as plateaus, tropical and arid areas. These characteristics are mainly due to the combined effect of natural selection and artificial selection, which slowly adapted chickens to different places (Shi et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2024; Hu et al., 2025). Chickens spread to all parts of the world with human migration, bred in different places, and gradually formed a variety of mixed types and different evolutionary characteristics. These changes not only explain how chickens were brought to the world step by step, but also reflect how they adapt to different ecological environments (Tian et al., 2020; Dementieva et al., 2024). How can chickens survive well in various environments? In fact, the answer is hidden in their genes. However, this is not something that one or two chickens can tell us. To see it, we have to start with the genes of the entire group. Studies have shown that whether it is natural selection or the "intentional arrangement" of human breeding, it will slowly leave traces on the genes of chickens. These changes are sometimes to adapt to the climate, sometimes to cope with hunger, and sometimes to avoid the attack of viruses (Li et al., 2019; Gheyas et al., 2020; Bai et al., 2024). Of course, this kind of research is not just as simple as understanding evolution. It can really help the breeding industry a lot, especially now that the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable. How to improve the resistance of chickens and stabilize meat and egg production depends on these genetic discoveries (Fleming et al., 2016; Fleming et al., 2017). This study mainly summarizes the latest research results on chicken genes around the world. The focus is on the genetic diversity and population structure of chickens, and how they adapt to various environments. We especially introduce some important information found by whole genome analysis, such as which genes and pathways are related to adaptability. We will also introduce how these research results can be used in breeding and protecting
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